<![CDATA[I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese]]>My p5 son is weak in Chinese. It is always so challenging to teach him.

I have made all kinds of effort like flash cards, asking him to copy ci hui with meanings and zao ju. I’ll also make him read his text several times n explain to him the meanings again and again. I’ll let him do assessments. Even with the same questions, again n again. During sch holidays especially, I’ll get him to read chinese story books.

He just cannot remember even words that I’ve gone thru with him hundred of times. He can remember all the soccer players’ names overnite, a whole song in one day, so I really am at a loss of how to help him improve. And I’'ll lose my cool when he can’t even read simple words or forgets the meanings of words that we’ve gone thru again n again.

Really want to give up! ;(

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/20691/i-m-at-a-loss-with-my-p5-son-s-chineseRSS for NodeMon, 20 Apr 2026 09:07:50 GMTMon, 28 Mar 2011 09:11:54 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:20:13 GMT]]>Do consider this approach...


http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/learning-chinese-potato-way

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617180https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617180Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:20:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:53:38 GMT]]>

Neat:
Hi! Morning,


I am really at a loss. Since this year, my son's grade is dropping for all subjects especially Chinese. Is it still in time to change tuition teacher? I just switched to 1 to 1 tuition in June but see no results. I wonder what is in his mind. Even with tuition, he is not getting anywhere. I feel like cancelling all his tuition and do nothing. Anybody knows what if he fails in P5, does he have to repeat or the school will push him to P6?

I would like to seek for advice.

Thanks
I think you should work with the tutor (if it is not effective, change tutor) to get a plan on how to improve the various Chinese paper (by sections) for your son. Set a goal and have targets along the way. Your son must be prepared to work with the tutor to put in the effort for the improvement.

If you start immediately after the P5 SA2, there is just about enough time and the Nov / Dec holiday has to do intensive work. Throughout P6 year, there are \"checkpoints\" to ensure it works and see results. However, your son has to be convinced that he can do it, and be prepared to put in the hard work to get the results.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602695https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602695Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:53:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:22:31 GMT]]>Hi Neat,


If he fails all four subjects, he will be transferred to the foundation stream. If he fails one subject eg. Maths, he will have to take foundation maths. A friend was sharing with me that she paid $1k a month for her son to be tutored in 3 subjects during his "o" level year from June to October. He went from F9 to B3 so it was worth it. He did have tuition from sec one, but he failed from sec one to sec three. My friend stopped the tuition at the beginning of sec four since it didn’t work. But the child asked for tuition in June and fortunately for my friend, her son woke up and the tuition helped.

If the same tutor doesn’t improve his grades, you should change the tutor.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602667https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602667Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:22:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:51:18 GMT]]>

Neat:
Hi! Morning,


I am really at a loss. Since this year, my son's grade is dropping for all subjects especially Chinese. Is it still in time to change tuition teacher? I just switched to 1 to 1 tuition in June but see no results. I wonder what is in his mind. Even with tuition, he is not getting anywhere. I feel like cancelling all his tuition and do nothing. Anybody knows what if he fails in P5, does he have to repeat or the school will push him to P6?

I would like to seek for advice.

Thanks
Hi it is common for grades to fall at p5 cos there's a huge jump from p4 to p5. Firstly try to find out his problems- weak foundation, not enough time to digest knowledge, difficulty understanding syllabus, :imdrowning: poor time management, spending too much time on computer games or CCA etc? Then, zoom into his specific problem and tackle it.

Now till SA2 is very short timing. You should come up with a time table for revision and coordinate with home tutor. Think it's a bit late to switch tutor unless you can find one with proven results to start immediately (tough at this time). Sometimes we can't leave everything to tutor. Must monitor tutor's schedule so that there's no last minute rush. You will be surprised that some tutors themselves have poor planning for the kids. If you can squeeze in a bit of time good to do some practice papers. Suggest you conduct a full review after p5 SA2 and you may use Dec hols to go through those areas which his foundation is not strong. Just my 2cents worth. All the best! :celebrate: :hi5:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583517https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583517Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:51:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:44:05 GMT]]>Morning Neat! May be you can try to find out what happen to him? There must be a result for the sudden drop in marks for all subjects. Try to find out what really bother him then you can find a solution to it. Sometimes kid might not tell you immediately, you might not get your answer on the first session. Be positive & patient when you talk to him. My DS response better when I talk to him in a positive & relax tone.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583505https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583505Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:44:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:17:39 GMT]]>Hi! Morning,


I am really at a loss. Since this year, my son’s grade is dropping for all subjects especially Chinese. Is it still in time to change tuition teacher? I just switched to 1 to 1 tuition in June but see no results. I wonder what is in his mind. Even with tuition, he is not getting anywhere. I feel like cancelling all his tuition and do nothing. Anybody knows what if he fails in P5, does he have to repeat or the school will push him to P6?

I would like to seek for advice.

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583472https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583472Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:17:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:07:52 GMT]]>

Chenonceau:
Flowermonaster:

Hi parents, my DS also have problem with languages especially Chinese. I noticed that he can remember Chinese character better if he can link the character to some picture or meaning. A few years ago, As I was waiting for my DS to come out from his tuition, I met a lady who recommended 汉字宫 to me while we were chatting. The DVD will teach children Chinese character in a fun way. The set of DVD is quite X though if get from Spore. Its cheaper if get from China. It will help if you let your kid watch it consistently.

You may watch it via the below link to have a feel. Hope this help your kid to learn Chinese.
http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/ydjyLYELu4w/

Thanks!!!

You're most welcome, Chenonceau! 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/580057https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/580057Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:07:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:21:51 GMT]]>

Flowermonaster:
Hi parents, my DS also have problem with languages especially Chinese. I noticed that he can remember Chinese character better if he can link the character to some picture or meaning. A few years ago, As I was waiting for my DS to come out from his tuition, I met a lady who recommended 汉字宫 to me while we were chatting. The DVD will teach children Chinese character in a fun way. The set of DVD is quite X though if get from Spore. Its cheaper if get from China. It will help if you let your kid watch it consistently.

You may watch it via the below link to have a feel. Hope this help your kid to learn Chinese.
http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/ydjyLYELu4w/
Thanks!!!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/579999https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/579999Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:21:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:01:17 GMT]]>Hi parents, my DS also have problem with languages especially Chinese. I noticed that he can remember Chinese character better if he can link the character to some picture or meaning. A few years ago, As I was waiting for my DS to come out from his tuition, I met a lady who recommended 汉字宫 to me while we were chatting. The DVD will teach children Chinese character in a fun way. The set of DVD is quite X though if get from Spore. Its cheaper if get from China. It will help if you let your kid watch it consistently.

You may watch it via the below link to have a feel. Hope this help your kid to learn Chinese.
http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/ydjyLYELu4w/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578893https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578893Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:01:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:29:01 GMT]]>Chenonceau, that’s great news! Look forward to your updates.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578837https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578837Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:29:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:19:46 GMT]]>I am looking to collate TOP school-developed Chinese Language oral materials. The materials I am interested in are specifically…


(1) Pictures
(2) Picture description model answer scripts
(3) Chinese dialogue model answer scripts

If your child is attending a TOP school and you are interested in getting OTHER top schools’ materials, would you kindly PM me? I will arrange to give all successful contributors a full set of the materials free.

I will be requesting for an emailed photo/scan of an excerpt/partial picture from the scripts you propose to contribute. This will allow me to evaluate the material for the standard and quality I am looking for. This is because I have gone through a few schools’ materials and realise that not all schools produce the same high quality.

Once I have compiled a set of high quality Chinese oral materials from 5 top schools, I will start a thread in product offerings to retail these materials. I don’t want to have to photocopy materials for everyone, free. At the same time, I will post the list of the contributors who will each have a full set of the materials… and you can approach anyone of them as well. If they are willing to give free, then good for you.

I don’t know if this initiative will result in anything… but I will keep the community posted of its progress.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578647https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/578647Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:19:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:22:25 GMT]]>I’m also facing the same problem. She just got her CA result composition 20 out of 40. She has failed her comprehension and booklet A just passed by 6 marks.


I’m really worried for her next year PSLE. Her 3 other subject do quite well except her Chinese. It definitely will pull down her total aggregate. Current , I have gave her Chinese tuition. Anyone can recommend what can I do, find another tuition or ask tutor to my house.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/573361https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/573361Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:22:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:47:11 GMT]]>

needyp:
I got my kid personally taught by mdm wang, who is a school teacher, result not bad so far, gonna keep it up until psle. you may check with her 81018024

How's this mdm wang? Any feedback? Or this post is mdm wang herself 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/572250https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/572250Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:47:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:42:48 GMT]]>

ksi:
Best is to let them find out using Besta the model which in PSLE they can use.

What's this? Can elaborate further? Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/572240https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/572240Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:42:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:55:37 GMT]]>

cimman:
zeemimi:

Could never get my kids to read any chinese books. :stupid:


Finally bought some chinese comics. e.g. https://www.popular.com.sg/jsp/product/product_detail.jsp?vca001=106&vpd001=94901 they read fr cover to cover. very easy reading but there were good words to learn. this is better than nothing for kids who don't even want to read any chinese books.

do they check on words that they don't know, or do they ask you ? or do they just skip over it ?

Best is to let them find out using Besta the model which in PSLE they can use.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/564275https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/564275Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:55:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:44:54 GMT]]>

zeemimi:
Could never get my kids to read any chinese books. :stupid:


Finally bought some chinese comics. e.g. https://www.popular.com.sg/jsp/product/product_detail.jsp?vca001=106&vpd001=94901 they read fr cover to cover. very easy reading but there were good words to learn. this is better than nothing for kids who don't even want to read any chinese books.
do they check on words that they don't know, or do they ask you ? or do they just skip over it ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/564264https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/564264Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:44:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:41:36 GMT]]>Could never get my kids to read any chinese books. :stupid:


Finally bought some chinese comics. e.g. https://www.popular.com.sg/jsp/product/product_detail.jsp?vca001=106&vpd001=94901 they read fr cover to cover. very easy reading but there were good words to learn. this is better than nothing for kids who don't even want to read any chinese books.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/563110https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/563110Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:41:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:49:55 GMT]]>Hi P5 mummies / daddies


Have anyone heard of \"Lu Lao Shi\" (http://www.mylulaoshi.com)? I am currently looking for only COmpo / Oral course for my DD who is weak in this area. If anyone heard of this, will like to hear your views... Or if anyone has any recommendation, would appreciate if you can share....

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/561096https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/561096Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:49:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Wed, 25 May 2011 09:10:25 GMT]]>I got my kid personally taught by mdm wang, who is a school teacher, result not bad so far, gonna keep it up until psle. you may check with her 81018024

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429927https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429927Wed, 25 May 2011 09:10:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Mon, 16 May 2011 13:49:44 GMT]]>You're most welcome, pixiedust. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423346https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423346Mon, 16 May 2011 13:49:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Mon, 16 May 2011 13:32:52 GMT]]>QuiteKSMum,


非常, 非常感激 ! Will certaintly take all the suggestions and check out the resources. Really appreciate your sharings ! Thank you ! 希望在明天 ! wohoooo !

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423336https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423336Mon, 16 May 2011 13:32:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Mon, 16 May 2011 10:31:46 GMT]]>Hi pixiedust,


PlayChinese
Till date, son has not had the time to try it. So afraid I can't say anything. Expect him to \"play\" with it more during the Jun hols ....hopefully can give feedback by then. But I know another forummer who also bought this is going to give her feedback, so just hold on a while as I think she's q. tied up recently.

Other Possible Strategies
1. Son's tutor suggested to us to get him to read essays to us regularly. Supposedly this will improve oral skills & by reading it will hopefully improve his compo too. I think Chenonceau wrote abt her method ( recording of Chinese essays & her son listening to the recordings - think it's found here : http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=17003 )

My son enjoys reading to me ... I try not to interrupt him even when it's q. obvious that the pronunciation is wrong. I correct him at the end, this also forces me to really pay attention ( sometimes my mind wandered off due to sleepiness :oops: ). After reading, I try to ask him qns re: the essay, this acts as a form of comprehension & oral practice. Eg qns like whether the character's action is right/wrong, what he shd have done etc . Finally we'll highlight the 好词好句 in the essay. I'm using the 裴蕾编作文集, a compilation of gd compos by students of diff schs. In P6, we also used this same editor bk : 小学好作文 5&6年级。

2) 成语
Son is more receptive to bks with comics, so for cheng yu, I got him the 成语我OK bks by 吴国雄。 I also got him a 成语快车 disk by eTutor. This comes in a disk with 70 成语 with fluent recitations by Chinese Teacher. After listening, I asked him to write down the cheng yu in a notebk with the meaning & make a sentence with it.

3) 好词好句 for Compo
After a few yrs of trying to memorise these gd phrases given by the sch Ts (even thou I alrdy selected the not so cheem ones for him), I find that he still can't used much of them; sometimes even nil usage for the compo exam. So I further refined & just really concentrated a few better ones & asked him to write scenarios ( that is common scenarios wh can be used in wide context) to fit in those gd phrases & 成语we learnt really well : 三步并作两步 is one eg. I didn't target high CL compo mks last yr as I knew his std, if he could get around 30 - 32, I'm happy alrdy.

From now till PSLE next yr is still > 1 yr away, my 2 cts is still to try to read as much as possibe, esp during sch hols. Morris Allen Eng makes their students borrow 3 bks weekly fm their own library ( the bks are all level appropriate) & forces a reading habit in their students. T there would ask the student for a bk review orally ( 1 bk only). Maybe shd ask yr DS sch T for a list of appropriate bks for P5 & P6. If each mother here asks & get such lists, imagine the titles we would have.

:celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423239https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423239Mon, 16 May 2011 10:31:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Mon, 16 May 2011 09:33:56 GMT]]>Some mummies mention playing games. We played the most basic type : start with "Peng You"…"You Qing"…"Qing Di"…"Di Ren"…"Ren Jia"…etc


Sometimes pump it up to Cheng Yu type when the kids are in good mood.

What other Chinese games do parents play ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423168https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423168Mon, 16 May 2011 09:33:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I'm at a loss with my p5 son's Chinese on Mon, 16 May 2011 08:55:40 GMT]]>Now that SA1 is over and we can all take a breather, I would like to bump up this thread for concrete ideas from P5,P6,S1-4 moms on how we can help our children in chinese (noted reading widely is the long term solution).


Those who invested in PLAYCHINESE, any updated feedback ?
Any good Chinese movies we can watch this June ?

Anymore tips for us desperate souls ?

mistychances - how are you and your son coping ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423143https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/423143Mon, 16 May 2011 08:55:40 GMT